What's on this week: December 11-17, 2020

COVID-19 may have played havoc with many of our Christmas plans, but two beloved events will return this weekend in a modified form.

The lighting of Murray Bridge’s Christmas tree at Edwards Square, originally scheduled for an evening last month, will go ahead on Friday night after all thanks to the city’s council and Lutheran churches.

There will still be a barbecue, sing-alongs and a telling of the Christmas story in the lead-up to the big countdown at 8.45pm, but families will be asked to keep a safe distance from one another.

The changes to the Tailem Bend Christmas parade are more significant – it will come to you this Saturday night if you live almost anywhere in the town.

Volunteers have worked hard to organise a tour by Father Christmas, and who knows what other surprises, from 6pm.

Families are encouraged to have a picnic dinner in their front yards; click here for a route map.

Friday

Nature’s Blend or Bling: December 11-January 31 at Monarto Safari Park. Explore animal secrets and surprises in a curiosity quest like no other, then enter a short story or poem competition about the animals you have seen. Admission: $38/27/20.50.

Lighting of the Christmas tree: 6-9pm at Edwards Square, Murray Bridge. Barbecue for gold coin donation to Teen Challenge from 6-7pm; live music, carolling and story time 6.30-8.30pm, switching-on of the lights 8.45pm.

Santa’s Cave visits: 8-10.30pm at Lights on Ridge, 59 Ridge Road, Murray Bridge. Bookings essential: www.facebook.com.

Saturday

Interactive Santa experience: 12pm-2pm December 12-19 at Murray Bridge Marketplace. Visit a Christmas grotto for a live one-on-one video chat with Santa and a small gift. Bookings essential: www.eventbrite.com.au.

Shiva Baby: 4pm at Cameo Cinema, Murray Bridge. Adelaide Film Festival presentation of a comedy about a Jewish woman who runs into her sugar daddy at a New York funeral, plus Q&A with producer Kieran Altmann, 18+ only. Tickets: $12/10 at adelaidefilmfestival.org.

Tailem Bend Christmas parade: From 6pm at Tailem Bend. Picnic in your front yard as the parade travels down dozens of streets, click here for route map.

Another Round: 6pm at Cameo Cinema, Murray Bridge. Adelaide Film Festival presentation of a comedy about four teachers who rely on alcohol as a coping mechanism, starring Mads Mikkelsen, 18+ only. Tickets: $12/10 at adelaidefilmfestival.org.

What Would Shakespeare’s Spotify Playlist Look Like?: 7pm on Facebook Live. Day Productions and Hannah Catherine Productions present a show featuring local teenagers arguing about what the playwright would have listened to if he were alive now, in aid of the Murray Mallee Wig Library. Watch, donate: www.facebook.com.

Santa’s Cave visits: 8-10.30pm at 59 Ridge Road, Murray Bridge. Bookings essential: www.facebook.com.

Sunday

Murray Bridge Swimming Carnival: 7.30am-5pm at Murray Bridge Swimming Centre. Tickets: $3.

High Ground: 2pm at Cameo Cinema, Murray Bridge. Adelaide Film Festival presentation of a western about violence and Indigenous resistance in colonial Australia, 18+ only. Tickets: $12/10 at adelaidefilmfestival.org.

Hannah Wegner: 2-3pm at Murray Bridge Library. Sunday Sessions live music.

Wynarka Christmas tree: 5-9pm at Wynarka football clubrooms. No pooled tea due to COVID-19 restrictions; bring a picnic and drinks to share with your family.

Tuesday

Creative Christmas craft: 2-3pm at Murray Bridge Library. Make a beaded bracelet and necklace plus box, for ages 8-12 accompanied by an adult. Bookings essential: Call 8539 1175, visit www.library.murraybridge.sa.gov.au or speak to library staff.

Wednesday

Create a Christmas card: 2-3pm at Murray Bridge Library. Make a homemade Christmas card, for ages 6-10 accompanied by an adult. Bookings essential: Call 8539 1175, visit www.library.murraybridge.sa.gov.au or speak to library staff.

Thursday

Our Christmas Favourites: 11am and 2pm at Murray Bridge Town Hall. Bonnie Lee Galea and her festive quartet present their favourite Christmas songs. Pre-purchase of tickets essential: $20 at events.ticketbooth.com.au.

Have we missed anything?

Let Murray Bridge News know about an upcoming event by emailing murraybridgenews@gmail.com.

Events will typically be listed if they are free to attend, raising funds for a charitable cause, occupying a public place, or if the organisers have advertised with Murray Bridge News.

For-profit events may be listed at Murray Bridge News’ discretion.

Event listings are sourced from local councils, Facebook, Ticketbooth, tourist attractions’ websites and other sources.